Anthony S. (Tony) Tivadar age 80 of Stratford passed away on Thursday January 21, 2010 in Bridgeport Hospital. Tony, a Korean War Veteran of the U.S. Army, was born in Bridgeport to Fairfield residents Joseph and Anna (Lutar) Tivadar. He was educated at Holland Hill, St. Stephen's, and Maplewood Schools and graduated from Bassick High School, the International Correspondence School, Scranton, PA., and the University of Bridgeport, School of Engineering. While at Bassick, Tony earned the nickname of "Swish" after he sunk a full court shot to win the game. More amazingly, he repeated the same fete the very next day at practice on his first try, but, never made that shot again! He loved sports and was an excellent all-around athlete, playing football, baseball, basketball, softball, ten-pin and duckpin bowling for numerous area industrial and club teams as well as for the American Legion Team. "Coach" coached baseball for many years in local youth leagues. Tony, affectionately known as "Gramps" was the "adopted" grandfather to many Stratford children. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed sports trivia. He was a former Boy Scout and Webelos Scout Leader, and was a member of the Thunderbirds, an adult scout troop. He was proud of keeping the "out" in scouting and camped year round with his troops. He also shared his love of camping with family and friends. Tony worked at Harvey Hubbell and Dictaphone as a Manufacturing Engineer and Manufacturing Supervisor, and was a retired self-employed contractor. Upon his retirement Tony worked part-time as a Ranger and Senior Tournament Chairman at H. Smith Richardson Golf Course. Tony was the originator of all-amateur charity fundraiser golf tournaments in the area and co-chaired these events with Paul Hoydick, Tim Ramik and Joe Soltis for years. He was a member of the Holy Name Society and the American Legion Post # 16, the Bridgeport Old Timers Athletic Association, and the Stratford Old Timers Athletic Association, where he was President for 6 years, served on the Board of Governors, and chaired many banquets and outings. Tony was the recipient of the Stratford Old Timers Golden Crown Athletic Award and the "Jack Geary" Award. He was formerly a member of the Holy Name and St. Joseph Societies at Holy Cross Church Bridgeport, now of Fairfield. While he was a contractor, he reconstructed the Perry House Barn in Stratford after it was destroyed by fire. Tony met his one and only love, his beloved wife of 57 years, the late Veronica "Ronnie" Burke Tivadar, while doing a crossword puzzle at a bowling alley and they continued to solve crossword puzzles together until her passing this past August. They enjoyed dancing to Big Band music and they especially loved dancing the polka and waltz together. Mr. "T" enjoyed people, gardening, and sports. He was a fan of the New York Yankees and Giants, but truly loved the game itself. Most of all, he cherished being surrounded by each and every one of his loving children and grandchildren, assisting them with anything they needed, especially helping and mentoring them with everything from home projects to life in general. He will be remembered as a tremendously wonderful, loving father, grandfather, teacher and friend by his beloved children Linda Brown and her husband, Kevin, Marcia Telesha and her companion David Wurcel, Joseph Tivadar and his wife, Patricia, and Cheryl Mercure and her husband, Scott, his cherished grandchildren Elizabeth and her husband Jason, Kevin Jr., Sean, Katelen, Joseph, Andrew, Raymond, and Nicholas, as well as several nieces and nephews. He will be truly missed by all of us. Tony's life philosophy: "Give a man a fish and he eats for one day- Teach a man to fish and he eats for a lifetime". His family would like thank the wonderful and compassionate staff on the Oncology floor-West Tower 7 at Bridgeport Hospital who so caringly looked after him. Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday January 26th at 10:30 a.m. in St. James Church, Main Street Stratford. Interment with full military honors will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, Stratford. Friends may call on Monday from 4-7 p.m. in the Adzima Funeral Home 50 Paradise Green Place Stratford. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make donations to the American Cancer Society, 372 Danbury Road, Wilton, CT. 06897.